AP Top 25 Basketball: Michigan & TCU Soar in Latest Poll

Breaking Down the Latest AP Top 25 Women's College Basketball Rankings

The latest Associated Press Top 25 women's college basketball poll has delivered significant shakeups, with Michigan and TCU making dramatic climbs into the top 10. As the 2025-26 season heats up, the rankings reflect the intense early-season competition and unexpected storylines shaping the national landscape.

Top Teams Hold Firm

UConn remains the undisputed No. 1 team, securing 28 of 28 first-place votes. The Huskies continue their dominant start to the season. South Carolina and UCLA occupy the second and third spots respectively, with both teams earning statement victories. The Gamecocks' 69-52 win over then-No. 8 USC, and UCLA's double-digit victories over Oklahoma and North Carolina, solidified their top-three positions.

Texas and LSU round out the top five, showcasing the SEC's early-season dominance. Texas' defensive prowess has been particularly noteworthy, with their full-court press and stifling half-court defense overwhelming opponents like Richmond.

Biggest Climbers: Michigan and TCU

The week's biggest stories are undoubtedly Michigan and TCU's ascents. Michigan skyrocketed eight spots to No. 6 after routing then-No. 18 Notre Dame 93-54 – the Wolverines' largest victory ever over a ranked opponent. Head coach Kim Barnes Arico acknowledged the challenge ahead: "Connecticut is really, really good. I think our kids want to compete against the best; I always have a stomach ache when those games are on our schedule."

TCU's rise was equally impressive. The Horned Frogs jumped seven places to No. 10 with a 69-59 road victory against then-No. 10 NC State. Led by a 26-point performance from Spanish forward Marta Suarez and a double-double from transfer Olivia Miles, TCU made a statement as one of the nation's most dangerous road teams.

Notable Drops and Surprises

The poll also saw significant casualties. Duke tumbled out of the rankings entirely, ending a 24-week streak that was the ninth-longest active run. Their shocking 57-49 loss to unranked West Virginia, which played the second half with just five players after a halftime brawl led to six ejections, was the primary cause. West Virginia, meanwhile, made its debut at No. 23.

Notre Dame's fall was less dramatic but still notable, dropping to No. 24 after the Michigan loss. Following Hannah Hidalgo's historic 44-point, 16-steal performance the previous week, the Fighting Irish struggled to contain Michigan's offensive firepower.

Conference Supremacy

The Southeastern Conference continues to assert its dominance with eight teams in the poll, including three of the top five. The Big Ten isn't far behind with seven ranked teams, while the Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference each have four representatives. This conference depth promises thrilling matchups as the season progresses.

Games to Watch

Several key matchups loom on the horizon:

• No. 19 Iowa vs. No. 7 Baylor (Thursday, WBCA Showcase at Disney World): The Hawkeyes' first road trip of the season against a Baylor team riding high.
• No. 11 USC at No. 24 Notre Dame (Friday): Both teams seek redemption after disappointing losses.
• No. 6 Michigan at No. 1 UConn (Friday, Hall of Fame Showcase): A potential early-season national championship preview.

What's Next?

As the season approaches its conference play phase, expect continued volatility. Freshmen like USC's Jazzy Davidson (who delivered a breakout performance against NC State) and Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez are already making impacts, while teams adjust to new rotations and identities. The transfer portal's influence has created unprecedented parity, ensuring that every game carries significant weight in the race for the top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

With UConn's unmatched depth, South Carolina's defensive intensity, and rising threats like Michigan and TCU, the 2025-26 women's college basketball season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.